thecaffeinatedlibrary's Reviews (290)

The Gilded Crown

5.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense

This book is the perfect reminder not to judge a book by its cover because I would not have assumed that this book was what it was based on it.

The Gilded Crown is a masterful, intricate political fantasy that stuns with visual prose and complex characters. When I say complex, I mean Complex. Gordon examines the very nature of humanity, of morality, here in this novel. Using themes of corrupting power, sibling bonds, generational trauma, religious power/corruption, and more, Gordon thrusts the reader into a heartfelt and poignant world that beats with life.

I don't want to disclose too much on characters for fear of spoiling anything, but the dynamics in this story are deeply moving and weaved with intrigue. Take Death (?) for example, a self-serving and morally ambiguous character that adds so much depth and understanding to the story on a larger scale. Sullivain who feels trapped under the weight of wars past and familial trauma, and whose morals lean dark. Hellevir herself and the twisted complexity of martyrdom and how much love can hurt us. The Gilded Crown is rich with interesting characters.

Beautiful, lovely, and tragic. I loved every word.

(Side note: fans of the Agathario dynamic will enjoy Hellevir + Sullivain.)

Content Warnings